Name Change: the BA in Practical Theology

Our degree names are changing.

Columbia's leadership team has made the decision to modify the name of our four-year degrees from "Bachelor of Arts" to "Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology." This means that a student graduating from Columbia's Youth Work degree, for example, will earn a "Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology, Major in Youth Work." ["Bachelor of Arts in Practical Theology (Youth Work)" is also an acceptable way to communicate the new degree name.]

This change will begin to take effect in July 2018, and will be implemented gradually, over the next two years. We prepared an FAQ (below) that explains the decision and provides specifics. If you have further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Academics office.

Why Practical Theology?

All of Life.

There's no such thing as a part-time Christian. Our theology (what we believe to be true about God) only matters when it permeates every part of who we are: our priorities, our lifestyle, our relationships, our identity, and our vocation. This is why Columbia takes such a balanced approach to education. We see your time here as a chance to engage in study, reflection, transformation, and skill-building training. "Practical theology" captures that balance well.

Faith in Conversation.

"Practical theology" is a conversation. How does our Christian faith connect with other areas of study and practice? How can we integrate biblical principles with marketing, or leadership, or psychology, or cross-cultural communication, or emergency medical care? Our vision is to see you and your fellow students graduate with the ability to integrate your faith with the world around you.

Prepared for Action.

What's your calling? Columbia's programs are designed to equip you to make a positive impact. God's mission is deep and wide — to redeem, reconcile, and restore wholeness to our world — and our vision is to help launch our degree grads into vocations where you can serve that mission with passion and skill. Whether you lead a church, found a non-profit organization, minister to refugees, or pursue a Masters in Counselling Psychology, you'll be prepared to engage in practical, Christ-centered, kingdom-focused work. That accomplishment will now be reflected on your degree as you graduate with a BA in Practical Theology.

FAQ about the BA Name Change

Late in 2017, BC's Ministry of Advanced Education approached Columbia's leadership team, asking the College to make sure that the theological focus of our degrees is clear from their degree names. In conversation with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Columbia proposed the new degree name and a plan to implement the name change. (You can read Columbia's complete announcement here .)

No. Our degree programs will remain the same as before. The new names simply provide more clarity about their focus. The quality and breadth of our curriculum, which incorporates biblical & theological studies, general studies courses, and applied professional courses, will be unchanged. Our requirements for instructors will also be the same.